Detroit cancels bus runs Monday, cites sick out'

DETROIT (AP) — Operators of Detroit’s public buses say riders may have to find another way to get around Monday because of what officials say is a threatened “sick-out” protest by unionized drivers.

The union said it isn’t behind the job action and can’t do anything if drivers call in sick.

A recording on the Detroit Department of Transportation’s phone line Sunday evening said that the union has “scheduled a sick-out Monday” and “bus service will not be in operation.”

“When service is fully restored, the department will inform all,” the recorded message said. “Again, we are sorry for the inconvenience.”

Fred Westbrook, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, said his union plans a rally at 10 a.m. Monday at the Coleman Young Municipal Building to protest a rash of violent attacks on bus drivers.

“I’ve asked those who have the day off to come out and if you can to take a vacation day, but a sick-out strike — that’s not my intention,” Westbrook told The Detroit News. “Now, Monday when we have the rally, if drivers show up and call off sick, I can’t do anything about that.”

Four drivers have been hospitalized in the past week, according to Westbrook. Two were stabbed, one came under attack from three passengers and one had urine thrown on her, he said.

“The deterioration of the bus system is not the drivers’ fault,” Westbrook said. “We are going beyond the duty required of us. I want to let (passengers) know it’s not our fault.”

Detroit is under control of state-appointed emergency manager Kevyn Orr, who has filed for bankruptcy protection, citing $18 billion in obligations he says the city can’t meet.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced last month that it was immediately releasing $24 million for repair and upgrading of Detroit buses, including installation of security cameras.